Forum home› Fruit & veg

Caterpillars

RP32RP32 Posts: 47
in Fruit & veg

I noticed yesterday that there are caterpillars all over the Rocket we are growing and what look like little eggs on the leaves. Will it do any harm to leave them or is it best to remove / treat the plant with something? Thanks

Posts

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 35,765

    I would squish all the caterpillars and remove the leaves that have the eggs on them. Its best not to think about treating the plantn with anything chemical as you are intending to eat the Rocket.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • chris 172chris 172 Posts: 403

    Hi all

    just get your hands in amongst them and carry out the cull

    I do this regular there is no better way of inspecting your crops to keep the devils at bay

    if your a bit squidgy then use the disposable tight fitting gloves but I just prefer my hands and a good wash afterwards

    happy gardening

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391

    There are now nematodes which kill caterpillars and are  safe to use on food crops. If you have those new invading moths there may be too many for manual removal!

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • RP32RP32 Posts: 47

    Thanks all, where could I get some of those nematodes from?

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391

    It's called Nemasys Caterpillar Killer - try Harrodhorticultural.com or Greengardener.co.uk.  Amazon, too.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • RP32RP32 Posts: 47

    Great, just ordered the nemasys thanks Bob image

Sign In or Register to comment.